Even without a gaming grant, the Free-B Film Festival returns every Friday and Saturday evening of August.

The films span are friendly for families to enjoy outdoors at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park or at Centennial Square at City Hall.

This year’s lineup includes Short Circuit, Muppets from Space, Teen Wolf and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.

While the Victoria Film Festival learned it lost its $40,000 grant two years ago, this is the first year it feels the effects, said Kathy Kay, festival director.

In order to continue the free annual event for the community, VFF negotiated some deals with film distributors, said Kay. “We also avoided a couple of really pricey titles.”

Also, the City of Victoria also stepped up its annual grant.

VFF has applied for a new grant, but “we’re not optimistic,” Kay said.

Films start at 9 p.m. Check out www.freebfilmfest.com for details.